An adaptive protection system for distribution network with distributed generation

Abstract

Distribution networks have increased reliability and security with the penetration of distributed generation and the application of automation functions that imply in topological reconfiguration. These changes however have effect on the protection systems and bring challenges to the planning and operation of the distribution networks. Therefore, this work proposes an adaptive protection system (APS) that aims to mitigate the impacts of distributed generation and topological reconfiguration in the protection system. The proposed system is activated by topological change, the switch on/off of generation units and change in the magnitude of the feeder currents. The APS is able to change the relays setting groups as well as to calculate and send to the relays a new setting. The application tool was developed in MATLAB and communicates with relays via Telnet protocol. Tests have been performed using a commercial relay and a computational model of a real distribution network.